50 Dinner and an unexpected event
Noah followed Adam into the dining room, his eyes taking in the sheer elegance of the space. It was nothing short of breathtaking.
The room was vast, illuminated by a grand chandelier that hung over the centre of the table, its crystals shimmering softly. The table itself was long, polished to a shine that mirrored the intricate patterns of the chandelier’s light.
Every detail was crafted with the care. The walls were lined with subtle, tasteful art, and large windows open to a view of a well-kept garden, further adding to the luxurious atmosphere.
As Adam gestured for Noah to sit down, he nodded, trying not to show how out of place he felt amidst such luxury.
Despite the grandeur, Noah carried himself with calm confidence, masking any discomfort with ease. Adam, noticing the young man’s poise, couldn’t help but feel more impressed by the minute. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cm
Noah settled into his seat just as the first wave of food began to arrive. Servants moved with humility and grace, placing dish after dish on the table.
Each plate was more enticing than the last, as a symphony of scents filled the air, making Noah’s stomach, which had already protested earlier, rumble even more. The servants revealed dishes like they were unveiling art, each presentation flawless, polished, and meticulously arranged.
“I hope you like it,” Adam said
“I am sure I will,” Noah smiled in response.
As the final plates were placed before them, Noah’s eyes swept over the feast. It was a true banquet of high-class cuisine.
There were truffle-infused dishes, with delicate slices of wagyu beef cooked to perfection, glistening with juices.
There was a selection of fresh seafood—grilled lobster with a rich, saffron-infused butter sauce, and a platter of oysters served on a bed of ice, paired with exotic caviar.
Beside it was a roasted duck dish, crispy on the outside, with aromatic spices that filled the air with a warm, rich scent.
In addition, there were several vibrant vegetable dishes—lightly sautéed green asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, baby carrots roasted with thyme and honey, and an assortment of colourful heirloom tomatoes in a delicate basil vinaigrette.
Each dish was plated with the precision and artistry of a Michelin-starred restaurant. To top it all off, there were freshly baked bread rolls, still warm, with hand-churned butter, sprinkled with flakes of sea salt.
It was a meal meant to impress, meant to show the gratitude and taste of the hosts, but Noah didn’t seem overwhelmed by it.
Instead, he smiled gratefully, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he met Adam’s gaze. “Well, I can confidently say my stomach and I are both very thankful for this.”
Adam laughed warmly, clearly enjoying Noah’s ease. “Dig in,” he said, gesturing toward the array of dishes. “I think we’ve kept your stomach waiting long enough.”
Noah didn’t need to be told twice. He reached for the closest plate of food, careful but not timid. He took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on his tongue. “This is incredible,” he admitted, grinning as he continued to eat.
As the meal progressed, Adam took a sip of water and leaned back slightly, turning to Noah. “So, how have your studies been going?” he asked casually, though there was a keen edge of curiosity in his voice. “Where do you plan to go for university?”
Noah, already halfway through a piece of wagyu beef, paused for a second to wipe his mouth with a napkin before responding. “My studies are fine,” he said. “I’ve been working hard, and I’ve got a few universities in mind, but I think Cambridge is my top pick.”
Adam raised an eyebrow, visibly impressed. Cambridge was no small feat, and he could tell Noah wasn’t bragging—there was a quiet confidence in his words, the kind that came from someone who knew their worth. Adam nodded, his respect for the young man growing. Not everyone could aspire to Cambridge, let alone have the potential to make it there.
“Cambridge, huh?” Adam said thoughtfully. “Not just anyone can get into a place like that. I’m sure you’ve got what it takes.”
Noah smiled humbly. “I’m doing my best. The rest will depend on luck and timing, I suppose.”
Adam regarded him for a moment, his keen eyes assessing the young man before him. There was something undeniably sharp about Noah, something he couldn’t quite put into words, but he knew he liked it. It was rare to meet someone with such a blend of humility and determination.
Adam’s next question, however, was a bit more personal. “Tell me about your parents, Noah.”
Noah didn’t hesitate. “My dad is a salesman in a small shop,” he said with a smile. “And my mom is a housewife, but she’s also a great cook. Honestly, she could give your head chef a run for his money.”
Adam’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He had thought Noah was praising his mother in the way most sons do, but there was something in Noah’s tone that made him reconsider. He wasn’t just speaking fondly of his mom—he was complimenting the head chef by comparing him to her. And that was no small praise, considering their head chef was one of the top five private chefs in the United Kingdom.
Adam chuckled lightly, unsure if Noah was exaggerating or if he really meant it. “Well,” he said with a smile, “I’d love to try her cooking someday. We’ll have to arrange that.”
Noah grinned. “You are welcome anytime, trust me you won’t regret it.”
Adam tilted his head, intrigued. Was Noah exaggerating? Or was there something truly special about his mother’s cooking? He decided to put the thought aside for now. Either way, he liked Noah’s spirit.
They continued conversing, their conversation easy and fluid, with Adam occasionally glancing toward his wife, who seemed equally impressed by Noah’s maturity. They discussed school, future plans, and Noah’s family life as they ate, the atmosphere growing more comfortable by the minute.
About ten minutes into the meal, however, the relaxed atmosphere was abruptly shattered. A frantic voice echoed through the hall.
“Sir! Sir!”
It was Maxine, the house attendant, her face pale and eyes wide with panic. She rushed into the dining room, clearly distressed.
Adam immediately stood up, sensing that something was terribly wrong. “What is it, Maxine?” His voice was firm, though there was a hint of urgency in his tone. “Calm down and tell me what happened.”
Maxine was struggling to catch her breath, her hands trembling. “It’s the old master,” she stammered. “He… he suddenly became unconscious!”
“What?!” Adam’s face turned grim in an instant, all traces of warmth and ease vanishing. Without wasting another second, he pushed his chair back and hurried out of the dining room, his mind already racing as he headed to his father’s side.
Noah, watching the scene unfold, felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him. Then, as if from nowhere, a familiar sound rang in his ears.
[Ding! The Ultimate Choice System has been activated!]
Looking at the second Activation of the system, Noah couldn’t help but be amused. The first was saving amelia, and now this one.
“I wasn’t wrong, this family really are generous with their rewards…”